- Ipswich Borough Council
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Address: Grafton House 15-17 Russell Road, Ipswich IP1 2DE
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Salary: £39,152 - £40,777 per annum
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Hours: 37 hours per week
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Contract: Permanent
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Reference: 0743
This is an exciting opportunity to join Ipswich Borough Council at the start of Local Plan making journey under the new plan-making system and progress a programme of town centre regeneration. Following a re-structure and in light of these exciting workstreams, we are looking to expand our team with motivated, ambitious Planner.
Ipswich is one of the fastest growing regional centres in England and is the largest centre in Suffolk for business, culture, entertainment and sports. A university town with a rich culture, heritage, elite sports teams and a thriving Waterfront. It is well connected to London and other parts of the country through strategic rail and road links.
The town is entering an important period, with the Council prioritising the delivery of a Town Centre Strategy and supporting the Ipswich City of Culture bid. Backed by successful Towns Fund investment and a strong regeneration pipeline, Ipswich offers a unique opportunity to help shape a vibrant, resilient and culturally rich town centre.
The role primarily involves shaping a new people centred Town Centre Strategy and the preparation of evidence base studies, monitoring and engagement to progress into the next Ipswich Local Plan, which is due to commence in in 2026. By joining us now, you will play a key role from the earliest stages.
There is also significant opportunity to work collaboratively with neighbouring local authorities and Suffolk County Council on strategic planning matters. This role will allow the successful candidate the opportunity to further develop their skill set providing analysis and working to support other officers; report writing; project management; the opportunity to write guidance to expand on planning policy, and to get involved in helping to deliver allocations and regeneration by working with developers and site owners as well as input into master-planning larger sites.
In addition, the role will also afford the opportunity to work closely with the Council’s busy Development Management team.
We’re looking for a motivated and proactive Town Planner with:
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a relevant degree or post graduate diploma or an NVQ Level 6 qualification in planning or a relevant field
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ideally Local Plan making experience.
In the context of a strong corporate emphasis on town centre regeneration and growth, we are keen to hear from candidates with experience of, or a strong interest in, town centre policy, regeneration and place-based planning. Effective project management and workload skills with a genuine passion for improving our built environment are a must. Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with key stakeholders are essential.
As well as a good salary, we offer:
a career grade average pension scheme
generous holiday and sick pay entitlements
subsidised parking for work and leisure
public transport discounts
free swimming and gym membership
cycle purchase scheme,
plenty of personal and professional development opportunities
flexible working / hybrid working opportunities
Employee Assistance Programme
the opportunity to work with great colleagues.
To find out more
For more information, please contact either Anna Roe, Planning Policy Team Leader, by either calling 01473 432911 or emailing [email protected] or Matt Deakin by either calling 01473 432490 or emailing [email protected]
Please read the Job Description and Personal Specification (pdf) to find out more about this role.
How to apply
To apply, please visit our Ambition Ipswich website where you can complete the online application form for this vacancy.
If you require any assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application or recruitment process, please let us know so that the appropriate arrangements can be put in place.
The selection process will involve an on-site assessment test for candidates who are selected for interview.
Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to interview candidates who meet the essential criteria prior to the closing date and / or to close the opportunity to applicants once we receive sufficient applications
Please note CVs (Curriculum Vitae) are not accepted.
Closing date: 14 June 2026.
Interview date: Week commencing 29 June 2026 at Grafton House, Ipswich.
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING
To apply, please follow the application process detailed above.
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